Woodland alarm company responding to crime rate

Alarm companies are being inundated with sales calls, with customers citing the dramatic increase in crime as the catalyst to beefing up personal security.

Woodland-based Safe Side Security's business has increased by 30 percent just over the last few months, said owner Peter Saar, and 50 percent overall. But it's not just Woodland; calls are coming from Davis and Colusa, too.

"Davis is not as safe as people always like to believe," said Saar, adding that the city's many greenbelts, two freeways, students and proximity to West Sacramento are "dangerous."

"It seems it doesn't matter where you live -- in a gated community, in the country or downtown -- it seems to make no difference. Burglaries are happening," Saar said. "What really bothers me, what I haven't heard much before, is that burglaries are happening when people are home. I hate to hear that. In the past, burglaries happened more during the daytime hours when people are at work. Now it happens a lot at night, and that's very scary."

There were more than 900 burglaries in Davis last year, and 2012 numbers jumped 70 percent from 2011.

In Woodland, property crimes last year increased 10.7 percent over 2012 totals; however, more importantly was the dramatic increase in burglaries -- 41.3 percent.

Some are making a correlation between the increase in local crime since 2011 and AB 109, or the post release community supervision of individuals released from prison, which began at the same time.

"There are so many types of securing systems available, it's crazy not to have something in your house," said Saar. "Too many people think it's not going to happen to them, but it's only a matter of time."

The Democrat recently polled Facebook readers asking if they are installing alarm systems or doing more to increase security.

Here is a sampling of what a majority of readers commented: "Guns loaded in every room." "Hidden weapons throughout the house." "Visitors okay, intruders will be shot."

Reader Eric Osborn said he installed an alarm system, has pepper spray, two dogs -- and two shot guns.

"Pity the damn fool who tries to screw (with) my family," he added. "Been victimized before ... never again. Never."

Facebook reader Layito Aguirre also advocates guns, so long as people educate themselves on the weapons and gun safety.

"The more law-abiding citizens with guns the more these scumbags are going to move to a more defenseless town," he said. "Everyone has mixed emotions but if you think about it, ten armed innocent bystanders always have an advantage over two criminals, since they always come in pairs."

Other Facebook fans said they have dogs, flood lights, locked gates -- even that they leave items such as cans on their lawn so they can hear if someone walks in the yard.

One reader mentioned a "Damsel in Defense Personal Protection Party," which offers stun guns, pepper spray and other personal protection items, similar to the way Origami Owl parties showcase jewelry.

But guns won't help you if someone breaks into your home and you're not there, or if you walk in on burglars, said Josh Craig, a technician with Safe Side Security for the last six years.

"I'm a firm believer in alarm systems. Even if you don't go with us, you should go with someone," Craig said. "It's an insurance policy. You may never need it, but the second you do, it's worth every cent."